K’nawa to be Officially Named after its Construction

The traditional Carib dugout canoe, or K’nawa will be officially named on August 2nd, the activity is a joint effort of the Association of Guadeloupe in collaboration with the Carib Council and Discover Dominica Authority.

The construction of the K’nawa began in September 2012, when a gommier tree was knocked down from the heights of Concord, for the construction of a pirogue.

The tree was estimated to be 250 years old. Kalinago marine carpenters since then, have been working tirelessly on the Kanawa, in preparation for its maiden sea voyage.

The official blessing ceremony will take place at St, Cyr from 4 pm on Friday August 2nd. The Kanawa, which will be named Kubulika is 38ft long, with an accommodation of 21 rowers called Kanawakists.

Government officials from the ministries of Tourism and Culture are expected to attend the blessing ceremony, including members of the K’nawa Association of Guadeloupe, as well as the Pariliamentary representative of the Kalinago territory and the Karina Cultural Group.

The Kanawa will be transported to Marigot, by Dominican and Guadeloupean Kanawakists, for its first sea voyage to Portsmouth on Saturday August 3rd.

On Sunday August 4th it will be rowed along the Portsmouth Bay and Indian River. Mr. Jean Barfleur, President of the K’nawa Association of Guadeloupe, says this accomplishment is a dream come true and is a testimony of the legacy of their ancestors.

They have strong beliefs in working together in the spirit of our ancestors, he said, linking the people of the islands together through our common link – the Caribbean Sea.

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